The purpose of this study is to lay the groundwork for a dialogue between the fields of picture
book studies and peace education in order to highlight the different forms and functions of
picture books for peace.
This study shows how these books contribute to peace literacy in children and motivate them
to act for peace, by looking at how and why they are written and how and why they work.
Picture books are an ideal medium to educate children about peace. Very early in the
childhood socialization process, these books can convey concepts and key skills and
eventually instill in the child values rooted in a culture of peace.
This research is based on the theme of peace as dealt with in the works of the Austrian author
Maria Lobe (1913-1995). Seven peace picture books are analyzed to determine which
strategies and literary, pedagogical, semiotic, narrative and aesthetic approaches the author
used to deal with sometimes delicate and taboo complex human, political and social issues in
her works for young audiences. The research also seeks to show how these works may help
develop empathy, an aversion for violence and a desire for peace in children who may thus
learn to choose peace and become peacemakers.
The results and conclusions drawn from the fields of education and studies of picture books
lead us to demonstrate how Mira Lobe, through her peace picture books, makes a universal
and timeless contribution to peace education.